chapter 17. Strength of Our Bond

BELLE Sweet relief from the pain that I had dealt with for the past several days came crashing into my body, and I let out a sob. Grayson wrapped his arms tightly around my middle and then shifted them to beneath my butt so he could lift me. I wrapped my legs around his waist and clung to him for what felt like dear life. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered into my hair. “God, I’m so sorry.” I nodded my head to show that I understood, and pressed myself closer to him. “I’m sorry too,” I whispered into his neck. He squeezed me gently. No more words were needed. We stayed like that for a few minutes, just holding each other and breathing each other in. It was pure bliss, and I never wanted it to end. But then Grayson moved. I panicked. Was he going to put me down? Was he going to leave me again? He must have sensed my panic because he ran a hand soothingly up and down my back as he walked. “Shh,” he said. “I’ve got you.” He carried me past the room I’d spent the last few